Rumor: Maple Leafs talking major defenseman trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to have to find some different avenues of player acquisitions if they are going to be able to fill the holes around their expensive core. From giving draft picks a shot at camp, to low-risk high-reward free agents, the team will be creative when it comes to roster creation. Another route is trading current players, and rumors are surfacing that Travis Dermott is being considered as a trade chip this upcoming off season.

The Leafs have forever been linked to dealing either Alexander Kerfoot, Kasperi Kapanen or Andreas Johnsson for some defensive help, so moving Dermott may come as a surprise to some. With the recent European free agents signings, the team has a deep left side of their defense, and are paper thin on the right side. There's potential for the team to move Dermott and one of the forwards mentioned for a quality RHD.


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Dermott is still only 23 years old and entering restricted free agent status off his current entry level deal that is paying him $863,333 annually. He's in line for a raise into the $3 million dollar range.


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Gm, Kyle Dubas is setting himself up for an interesting draft and off season. The Leafs have found some gold overseas and continue to lock up some of their secondary talent. The team has announced a two-year extension for forward, Adam Brooks.

Just another move on the cheap, which is something that can only take you so far. Look for the Leafs to make a major move this off season, and Dermott's name could be involved. Or, maybe, they end up winning the 24-team tournament and all is good for the Leafs and Leafs Nation. They do love to dream in the 6ix.